Reviews for On Scent

A gripping read!

“The variety of characters and different agendas of sectors involved in this mystery kept me on my toes throughout. Fire behavior and control strategies in a sierra setting, ‘scent’ trained dogs and their handlers in search of missing persons, inter-agency protocols and incident coordination… twists and turns including encounters with a recluse with PTSD lead to a dramatic surprise ending – I loved it!”— Wendy Archer

Interesting story

“Fast paced story. What I most enjoyed was learning about the complex details of search and rescue and about the brave, intelligent dogs that are such an important part of many searches.” — Sally Ryono

A gripping tale of canine rescue in rugged terrain

“Looking for a gripping and fast-paced tale that is different than your usual mysteries or adventures? I recommend ‘On Scent‘ which will lead you into the Sierra Nevada on the trail of an inept (at best) dad who has snatched his toddler in hopes of having a ‘fun’ weekend together. But he botches it in ways I won’t reveal, leading to the FBI and other law enforcement on his trail. Someone has the good sense to call in the canine squad. These highly trained dogs and their gutsy handlers are willing to go in where others fear to tread–even as a wildfire gains strength in the rugged terrain. The author clearly knows about canine tracking and I gained from her knowledge by reading this new book. Told from multiple points of view–a handler, a fire-spotter, an FBI agent, the dad, even the fire itself–you will stay intrigued from the first page to the last. I recommend it to dog-lovers, adventure-lovers and anyone who wants a good read.” — Anara Guard

Couldn’t put it down

“Of course, the abduction of a toddler grabs you by the throat, but this was quite a great read. The author does a fine job of characterizing the various people in the story, so I was able to keep straight the many players in this urgent search for a child and the abductor. It made it even more suspenseful that all this was occurring in the context of a forest fire that is just starting up in the area. You know there will be at least one dog in the narrative, and this was perfect. Don’t miss reading this!!” — Shireen Miles

Absorbing page-turner

“On Scent is a suspenseful page-turner that centers around a canine search & rescue team in the mountains. It’s a fresh concept and an informative one too as the workings of a K9 search team are revealed. It’s one of those absorbing stories where you want to settle in an easy chair and read it from start to finish!” — Nancy Flagg

Suspense without violence

“Another exciting page turner from Cherie. I enjoyed this book tremendously. I felt like I was there on the mountain with the rest of the crew feeling the pain and fright along with the love of the dogs. Just read it and enjoy.” — Vivian Rambo

Taut Thriller Keeps You on the Edge of Your Seat

“This is a tense, riveting story about a group of forest rangers, law enforcement, and rescue dogs racing to find a kidnapped toddler in a remote mountain area, as a growing forest fire threatens to rage out of control. I literally could not stop turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. It was fascinating to learn how rescue dogs track lost people, and how different rescue organizations interact. The author obviously knows her stuff, which contributes to the suspense and realism of this exciting adventure. I can’t wait to read other novels by this author.” — Cathy McGreevy

Relentless

“Bought the book…forgot about it then opened my kindle yesterday & finished it today! I stepped into this book & became part of the search team. I never realized how amazing canine search teams could be. The relationship between the dogs & their owners are very complex. The suspense never lets up…The missing baby in the high Sierras with the crazy dangerous father. So many relationships & characters but written well so as not to confuse. Once the fire took hold the book was impossible to put down. I really enjoyed this book!” — Carole

Suspense!!!

“This book is a bell ringer for sure. It kept me interested the whole way. Read it. You’ll have a great time immersing yourself in the chaos of the search for the toddler. This one rates an A+ and I will recommend it to my friends!” — Billie Hamilton

I was hooked in the first chapter!

“On Scent is on target. Author Cherie O’Boyle has done her research in describing the chaotic situation when jurisdictions overlap and priorities of the various players differ in an emergency situation. I was hooked in the first chapter—a search and rescue-trained dog, her handler, and a kidnapping. It could only get better. Then add law enforcement, park rangers, smoke, a beautiful forest, more dogs and handlers. Ms. O’Boyle pulls all of these elements together to make this a really good book. Grab a comforter, a warm drink, and snuggle up with On Scent.” — Jonel J

Doggoned Good!

“Cherie O’Boyle’s On Scent is a treat for anyone who likes dogs as they’re showcased in one of their most helpful and friendly activities, searching for missing people. I’m constantly amazed at what dogs can do, while asking for very little in return. Here, they and their handlers are searching for a young boy kidnapped by his father. Tension mounts as a forest fire threatens the dogs and their people. Very exciting and well researched, with excellent descriptions of local terrain, this thriller is something that mystery and suspense readers will love.” — Ian Wilson